Alexandria shooting by sheriff’s deputy ruled a homicide

The fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Alexandria man by an off-duty Arlington County sheriff’s deputy has been ruled a homicide, but prosecutors have not determined whether criminal charges will be filed in the case, authorities said Thursday.

Virginia’s office of the chief medical examiner ruled the Wednesday death of Julian Dawkins a homicide. Mr. Dawkins, a PBS shuttle driver, was shot during a confrontation with Deputy Sheriff Craig Patterson in the Lynhaven neighborhood where both men lived.

Alexandria police were continuing to interview witnesses as they try to learn the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. Police were consulting with the commonwealth’s attorney’s office as to whether criminal charges could be filed against Deputy Patterson.